Barcelona €100 million-rated fan-favourite midfielder sounded out by Saudi Arabia | OneFootball

Saudi Arabia continue their drive for expansion and positioning themselves as a dominant force in world football. Several top players from Europe are on their radar, many of whom play in La Liga.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Saudi Arabia are interested in Vinicius Jr., with the Middle Eastern country prepared to make a world-record offer of €350 million for the Real Madrid winger.

Pedri also on Saudi Arabia’s radar

Similarly, SPORT reports that Barcelona fan-favourite midfielder Pedri is another player who has attracted attention from Saudi Arabia.

This move is part of a broader strategy from the Middle Eastern nation, driven by a new €4 billion injection, which includes investment from an American fund, with the 2034 World Cup, which Saudi Arabia will host, on the horizon.

The interest in Pedri is partly due to his contractual situation, with only a year and a half remaining on his current deal at Barcelona.

Pedri attracting Saudi Arabia interest. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The idea was further strengthened by the fact that Pedri was the most acclaimed player by local fans during the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia two weeks ago.

Hector Peris, Pedri’s agent, was in Saudi Arabia during the Super Cup. And Saudi officials took advantage of his presence to communicate their intentions

Their interest is driven by the Barcelona superstar’s obvious footballing qualities, his youth, and the desire to have him as an ambassador for the 2034 World Cup.

While Saudi Arabia has made an approach for Pedri, the Spanish international, who is having an outstanding season, is focused solely on his future at Barcelona.

It is expected that the 22-year-old will renew his contract, which expires on 30 June 2026, with an announcement likely next week.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.